Message from the Chair

Building Momentum in 2026: Wisconsin Section Celebrates Community and Growth

By Lindsey Busch

As winter settles over Wisconsin, I am reminded of how vital our community is to the success of the Wisconsin Section. Despite the cold, the passion and dedication of our members continue to shine brightly – especially through the tireless efforts of our volunteers.
Every committee meeting, event, student outreach effort, and technical session happens because individuals like you choose to give your time and expertise for the greater good of our profession and our environment. Whether you serve on a committee, plan a conference, present a paper, mentor a student, or help coordinate a local event – you make our work possible. Your volunteer spirit is the backbone of CSWEA, and I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your contributions.

We currently have several open spots on our committees, and we are always looking for new volunteers to get involved. If you are interested or have questions about where you might fit in, please reach out to our Membership Committee Chair, Autumn Fisher (afisher@donohue-associates.com). There is a place for everyone – whether you are new to CSWEA or looking to take on a larger role.

This season also offers us a moment to reflect on the collective impact we have achieved together. I enjoyed seeing many of you at the CSWEA WEFTEC event – a conference where we advanced research on emerging contaminants, supported operator training, and promoted public awareness. The Wisconsin Section continues to thrive because of your commitment. We also had a great turnout for our November Board Meeting, followed by a lively happy hour, and I’m pleased to share that our section remains financially strong. Everyone is welcome at our quarterly section meetings – the more, the merrier! The collaboration and camaraderie within our organization are what make our section truly exceptional.

Looking ahead, we have a number of exciting events in 2026, starting with the Government Affairs Seminar on February 19 in Fond du Lac, followed by the Operations Seminar on February 26 in Stevens Point, and the Spring Biosolids Symposium on March 17, also in Stevens Point. Once again, our dedicated volunteers have put tremendous effort into organizing these events, and I hope to see you there!

As we move through these winter months, thank you once again for the energy, expertise, and heart you bring to CSWEA. Your work ensures that Wisconsin’s water environment remains clean, resilient, and sustainable for generations to come.
Wishing you a warm, safe, and rejuvenating winter season.

Lindsey Busch
Chair, Wisconsin Section of CSWEA